The bill is sponsored by Carroll and state Rep. Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora.

Exceptions for the private checks include those given a gun by a family member or if the gun is inherited.

In addition, the bill allows a 72-hour loan period as along as the person getting the firearm is not prohibited under law.

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An amendment passed allowing military personnel to transfer a firearm to a family member or friend before deployment.

Current state law requires people who buy guns from a licensed dealer to pass a state background check by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Such checks are not required for private sales and transfers between individuals.

Proponents of the bill say it will create a tighter woven safety net, keeping guns out of the hands of people who mean to do harm.

Opponents say the bill say is a blatant infringement on the people's rights, nothing more.

"This is a day of dysfunctionalism," King said. "This won't work at the expense of Colorado citizens."

In addition, opponents of the bill claim it would only work if a gun registry is created, which is an unacceptable option.

Carroll said that claim was not true.

"There is no registry," she said. " I do not support a registry."

With the initial Senate approval, it will move to a third reading in the Senate. Gov. John Hickenlooper supports the measure.

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